PRACTICES FOR WHOLENESS
The Mind
In the noise of midlife, the mind often struggles to find silence. Breath exercises offer a practical, embodied way to settle the nervous system and reclaim the internal stillness necessary for a meaningful spiritual life.
The Quiet Mind
Breath awareness is not a spiritual practice borrowed from elsewhere — it is simply learning to use well what God has already given us. By learning to slow and deepen the breath, men are able to calm the nervous system and release the tension that accumulates in a demanding life.
At Ichthus, we use intentional breath exercises as a practical, embodied way to quiet the noise of the body so the spirit can be heard. A man who cannot quiet his body will struggle to quiet his soul, for deep prayer and reflection require internal stillness.
When the body is calm, the spirit has room. When the spirit has room, the soul can be fed through a quieted mind that is fully attentive to the rhythms of grace God has established within us.
Practices for Mental Calm
Slowing the Breath
By learning to slow and deepen the breath, men are able to calm the nervous system. This intentional practice releases the tension that accumulates in a demanding life.
Creating Internal Stillness
Intentional breath exercises are a practical, embodied way to quiet the noise of the body. When the body is calm, the spirit has room and internal noise fades into peace.
Breath and Prayer
Breath awareness creates the internal stillness that prayer and reflection require. It is a way to use well what God has already given us to hear the spirit.
Noticing the Noise
A man who cannot quiet his body will struggle to quiet his soul. By noticing the noise of restlessness, we can begin to release it and let the soul truly be fed.